Shannon: “A lot more support internally for Jim than people believe”

Amidst rumours that the Canucks organization is on the brink of making a front office personnel change, John Shannon on Sportsnet 650 denies it all and says that they support Benning more than people think.

Even though some believe that his days are severely numbered and may not have even survived this offseason, Shannon decided to come out and show that those thoughts are all wrong.

Although it is extremely likely that if the Canucks don’t get to the right start next season or fail to make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season, the likelihood of a firing should increase.

Shannon continues through his radio hit to say that there are “concerns on the business side”, when it comes to Benning’s tenure with the franchise. Not putting a competitive team out on the ice and falling short of the playoffs can do that.

The young stars can bring in some attention and possibly more ticket sales, what the upper management probably wants, but they’re still losing in a historic fashion.

Around the NHL, front offices are changing. Ken Holland to the Oilers, Steve Yzerman to the Red Wings — would it be timely for the Canucks to do the same?

With the NHL Entry Draft and free agency rapidly approaching, if what Shannon said is completely true, it appears that Benning is here to stay, but just for now.